Manchester United will have their eye on securing a top-eight finish as the Europa League group stage reaches its conclusion on what could be a hectic night of action.
Ruben Amorim’s side are in the Romanian capital to take on FCSB in their final fixture as they reach the end of a campaign in which they are so far unbeaten. Three draws mean that direct progression to the round of 16 is not totally secure, but win tonight and a smooth route will be theirs. A draw could well prove sufficient, too – yet defeat could open the door for others to usurp them.
The hosts are among those looking to overtake their fourth-placed opponents, with FCSB starting the night a point and four rungs below Manchester United in the competition ladder. That makes it win or bust for the 1986 European Cup winners as they hope to avoid the two-legged playoff ties that the other 16 qualifiers will have to negotiate.
Follow all the updates from the National Arena in Bucharest in our live blog below:
Fernandes’ goalscoring record
Against Rangers last time out, Bruno Fernandes become just the second player to score 10+ goals in the Uefa Cup/Europa League for Manchester United,
The other player to do so is Marcus Rashford (14).
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:50
United’s strong away form
Since losing 2-1 at Astana in November 2019, Manchester United have not lost any of their last six away Europa League group stage matches.
They’ve won four and drawn two in that run.
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:45
Why Man Utd hold Mathys Tel advantage in transfer race with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
While Garnacho’s destination is still to be determined, amid interest from Chelsea and Napoli, Tel is understood to favour Old Trafford out of a range of potential options that includes Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:40
Pre-match thoughts from FCSB manager Elias Charalambous:
“We are facing very difficult opponents and we need to play at our best.
“Manchester United are one of the biggest teams in the world with great players. I consider this the most important match of my career so far and we will do everything to win.
“The squad are in good shape, motivated and fuelled by the fact we are here, playing at this level and with a real chance to go further in this competition.”
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:35
Why is Rashford not in the squad?
That is a question being asked of Ruben Amorim who says that Rashford needs to give his maximum to earn his place back.
Amorim said: “Again, the situation is the same as with every player. Last time, I talked about him. In the last game, my sentence was that I will not put any player in who won’t give the maximum.
“I didn’t say I would not put Marcus Rashford in. It’s the same situation. When I feel it’s the right moment, I will put any player in to play again.
“We are a better team with Marcus Rashford. That is clear. he is a big talent but, until the right moment, I will not change my mind.
“That is all. Always the same answer.”
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:30
Onana on momentum
Andre Onana spoke about the momentum Manchester United are building after consecutive wins over Rangers and Fulham.
“We have to enjoy it because at the end of the day when things are going good everyone is happy,” Onana told MUTV.
“It’s what we want because we are Manchester United and we are under the obligation to give everything on the pitch.
“Hopefully this game [vs Fulham] was the turning point and from here we move on.”
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:25
Andre Onana hopes win at Fulham is ‘turning point’ for Manchester United
Goalkeeper Andre Onana hopes Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Fulham proves a “turning point” in their season.
Lisandro Martinez’s 78th-minute strike earned Ruben Amorim’s side victory at Craven Cottage on Sunday, lifting them up to 12th in the Premier League table.
Defender Martinez’s deflected long-range effort was almost cancelled out in the final minutes by Joachim Andersen, but a crucial block on the line by 21-year-old Toby Collyer ensured United held on.
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:20
A fine home record
FCSB have lost just three of their last 22 home group stage matches in the Europa League with 11 wins and eight draws.
They are unbeaten in all three this season (two wins, one draw).
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:15
United versus Romanian sides
Manchester United have won five of their six meetings with Romanian sides in all competitions.
However, their last such match ended in a 1-0 home defeat to CFR Cluj in the 2012-13 Champions League.
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:10
FCSB versus English teams
This is FCSB’s first ever meeting with Manchester United.
They’ve lost each of their last seven games against English sides by an aggregate score of 20-2.
Mike Jones30 January 2025 19:05
